“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Have you ever asked yourself “can I make a difference?” We all have but we can only make a difference when the difference maker Jesus is in our life. When this happens we won’t be satisfied with just making a living, we must make a life, we must feel that we're making a difference! Just bring home a paycheck isn’t satisfying. Even if the paycheck is 100,000 a month it won't satisfy. [Right now somebody is saying “I'd like to try!”) But the truth is, there is something so uniquely designed in us that cause you to need to make a difference. Jesus gives us a promise that tells us the secret to really making a difference in this world. The secret is “abiding in Christ.” What does that mean? There are 4 aspects of abiding in John 15.
Have you ever asked yourself “can I make a difference?” We all have but we can only make a difference when the difference maker Jesus is in our life. When this happens we won’t be satisfied with just making a living, we must make a life, we must feel that we're making a difference! Just bring home a paycheck isn’t satisfying. Even if the paycheck is 100,000 a month it won't satisfy. [Right now somebody is saying “I'd like to try!”) But the truth is, there is something so uniquely designed in us that cause you to need to make a difference. Jesus gives us a promise that tells us the secret to really making a difference in this world. The secret is “abiding in Christ.” What does that mean? There are 4 aspects of abiding in John 15.
· Being aware of how much you need Him.
· Allow His word to mold your life.
· Seek to please God.
· Ask for His help through prayer.
Significance is not a contest - you don't win it in competition with others. Importance is a wonderful gift given by God's love. People who make a difference in this life are people who live the joy of being chosen by God - of being important to God Himself. You are Jesus’ friend. Jesus starts John 15 calling us branches and ends up calling us friends. When you see Jesus as a friend it turns your thinking upside down. It's much easier to face trouble when you have a friend beside you. You're likely to stay attached to someone you know is your friend. And, when it comes to asking, it's always easier to ask a friend. Your life is meant to count! You are chosen to be significant: to bear “fruit that will last.” Lasting fruit means changed lives, new hope, and real impact upon people's hurts. It is drawing people's attention to the eternal love of God, changing someone's eternal destiny by introducing them to the opportunity we all have to place faith in Jesus Christ.
Family Discussion Question: You are Jesus friend! What’s something you could do to treat Jesus like your best friend today?
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